A large-scale national blood service for pets could save the lives of hundreds, or thousands, of ill and injured animals each year, leading veterinarians said yesterday.

Limited availability of blood for transfusions means many animals are unable to undergo emergency treatment that could save their lives after being injured in road accidents and fights or suffering from serious illnesses.

In March Britain's first animal blood bank was established as the charity Pet Blood Bank. Based in Loughborough, the bank's vets collect blood from dogs brought to clinics within a two hour drive of the facility. The organisation sells blood products to veterinary surgeries around the country for £100 a unit and directs profits into educational programmes. It hopes to launch a service for cats next year.

Royal Veterinary College experts called for a larger national blood bank for cats and dogs. Dan Brockman, a heart surgeon at the college hospital in Hatfield, said broader availability of blood would have a dramatic impact on animal welfare.

"If there's one thing that could have a huge impact on saving pets' lives, then this is it," he said.

Mr Brockman specialises in open heart surgery on animals and performs around five blood transfusions a week, usually on dogs. Many breeds develop heart disease later in life, but some, such as the Cavalier King Charles, are prone to specific heart problems that require intricate surgery.

Two years ago the government lifted restrictions that barred veterinary clinics from storing animal blood products. However, many do not have the specialised facilities to store blood. Instead, some vets have set up a system whereby willing owners bring their pets in to donate fresh blood when it is needed.

Amanda Boag, co-director of the blood transfusion service at the Royal Veterinary College hospital, backed the call for a wider blood service, adding: "In some instances blood transfusions will be life-saving."